Saturday, December 31, 2016

I was slacking a little getting this scheduled for this past Wednesday, but I still wanted to share a little with you. Next week I have a much more awesome Christmas-something to share with you - I am soooooo excited!

Anywho, Christmas Baking! I spent a good part of last Friday, and Saturday baking gifts for Christmas. I love baking, but ugh! I am tired now... How about you?

I went to my local Winn Dixie, and did some shopping... Hehe

Hmm... Not sure if cheese puffs, coffee and peanut butter fudge mix make a good combo, but that is what you see here. PS those are Buffalo Blue Cheese Curls, and they ARE delicious!

Almost done!

Here you see some Eggnog Bread, Brownie Thumbprints, Red Velvet Peppermint Pattie Cookies, and Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Only thing missing was the Eggnog Sugar Cookies, which are seen in the first picture. Recipe reviews to come to you soon!

I found Scarfie Yarn on clearance at my local JoAnn's, so I decided to pick up a skein, and try it out. I searched high and low for a free pattern that only used one skein, but couldn't really find anything that caught my eye - then I remembered this Squish Cowl from Moogly Blog. It was so much fun to work up, and the finished project came out beautifully. Can't wait to pick up some more and work up a couple others! I even found this Squish Slouch, Free Crochet Pattern on the Moogly Blog too!Materials I Used: - Less than 1 Skein of Lion Brand's Scarfie Yarn in Charcoal and Taupe - M13/9mm Crochet Hook - #18 Tapestry Needle for Weaving in Ends - Squish Cowl, Free Crochet Pattern from Moogly BlogMaterial Notes: This was my first time using Scarfie Yarn. It is marked as a bulky #5 yarn, but I found it to be more like a heavyweight worsted weight yarn - I think similar yarns like Red Heart's With Love would also probably work. If you haven't used this yarn before, it is so soft and squishy - no lie. I found it to feel a little similar to Red Heart's Boutique Treasure Yarn, but softer, and wears better.Time Spent: I had my cowl ready to go in about two and a half hours.Measurements: My cowl measured 34.5" wide by 9.5" tall - Original measures 40" wide by 9" tall.My Gauge: 9 DC by 5 Rows = 3 7/8" by 3 5/8"Adsense:

Pattern Notes: Though my cowl did not come out to the width as the original pattern, it came out to be a great size! I wouldn't change anything. Because my gauge did not match, and I did not want to go up to a bigger hook size, I opted to just add two chains to the beginning, and played the length by ear.

I've never worked a bullion stitch before this cowl, and was a little intimidated in the past, but it was so easy! Can't wait to get started on some other bullion stitch projects, and have some of my own in the works. I did not add a chain 1 at the end of Row 1 as the slip stitch creates a space equivalent to a chain 1. Chaining would create a larger, uneven space so I omitted. I worked my cowl to 12 repeats, which left at 9", then I worked the final row. I worked the two single crochet rows on the wrong side of the piece. The beginning chain and join makes it tight, which helps with the fold for wear, but not for flexibility - an alternative to this would be to begin with a foundation single crochet (FSC). It fits and sits well as is.

If you love to bake, craft and crochet too, I would love to see your photos and get your recommendations! Join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community to share your creations, and see what other's are up to!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!

Don't Crochet but Interested in Purchasing a Squish Cowl (or Slouch)?

Visit the EyeLoveKnots Etsy Shop to see what I have available! Use the search box to type in what you have in mind, or feel free to send me a message with your custom request. I am happy to make in any custom size and/or color. View color options here: Scarfie Yarn. You May Also Like...

Friday, December 30, 2016

Like many others, I am a big fan of granny squares, especially when used in fun, creative, out-of-the-box ways. In my ideas book, I have sooooo many project ideas for use with granny squares and the granny stitch pattern, but haven't taken much initiative to work them up so I decided a Granny-Spiration Challenge was exactly what I needed.

What is a Granny-Spiration Challenge?
Well, being inspired by granny squares, it's been named accordingly. In this challenge, a new project will be shared the first Saturday of every month from January to December of 2017. You will find both traditional and non-traditional projects created with either regular or solid granny squares, the granny stitch pattern or other afghan squares in the form of either a free crochet pattern, a crochet pattern review, a DIY of some sort or just inspiration piece with tips to recreate.

How to Join in on the Granny-Spiration Challenge:Join my friends and I the first Saturday of every month as we share our Granny-Spiration project with you, and open a link up for you to share yours! You'll be able to share your WIPs and pictures of completed items in these link ups for a chance to win prizes. Tag it on social media as #GrannySpirationChallenge2017.Chat with others, find inspiration and get updates and reminders in the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community Facebook group.Which Blogs Will Be Participating in the Granny-Spiration Challenge:Alongside myself, the following bloggers will also be participating in this challenge with me, and I encourage you to visit them all for great patterns, DIYs and inspiration!

By the end of 2017, you will have at least 12 finished granny square inspired projects that will be done just in time for the holidays as well as a smaller yarn stash since grannies are great for stashbusting! Can't wait to see your projects!

Join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community to share your creations, and see what other's are up to!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

While perusing through Pinterest, like I spend much of my day, I found a delicious looking recipe for Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Roast Beef. I pinned it, and kept it in mind for about two weeks before I finally went to the store and got the ingredients. I got a crock pot for Christmas last year, and not counting this meal, only used it once, so I was interested in trying out the recipe and excited to try a slow cooked pot roast. The meat came out nice and tender, and I found the recipe easy to follow with not too many ingredients called for. This would be a good recipe for a cold night. I felt like it was missing a little something. Perhaps if I did remake it, or something similar, I might make some white rice and just throw the carrots into the crock pot with the meat.Feeds: 6Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 9.5 hours of Slow CookingIngredients: - 3 lbs Beef Roast - I used a Beef Chuck Pot Roast Boneless found at my local Publix. Was about $20 for it. - 4 cloves of garlic, chopped - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes - 1 cup beef broth - I used Swanson's 100% Natural Beef Broth (of a 32oz) - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - I used Progresso's Traditional Style Balsamic Vinegar (of a 12 oz bottle) - 2 tbsp soy sauce - We have a bottle in our fridge, but I would think you could also get away from with packets - 2 tbsp brown sugar - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce - 1 lb [baby] carrots - 1 lb mini potatoes - 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp waterIngredient Notes:Beef: Confession - I had no idea was a beef roast was... Hehe. But my boyfriend is very good at picking out meat and grilling so was no trouble for him when I told him what I needed. He's says look at the color when choosing, and look for one without a lot of fat (among a few other things that I can't remember at the moment).Balsamic Vinegar: Another confession - I had no idea was this was either! I found myself in the salad dressing aisle looking for a salad dressing that said "balsamic vinegar" on it, hehe. Right next to the salad dressing was the collection of vinegars, and here's where I found the right one.Carrots: The recipe calls for baby carrots, but I just used half a bag of regular carrots, and cut them up to about baby carrot size. Keep in mind, the thicker the carrot, the longer it may need to cook.Potatoes: I found a box of garlic herb mini potatoes that were washed and ready to be cooked. They came in a container with a film across the top, and were meant to be microwaved. I just opened the container and threw them in the crock pot without the seasoning. Very convenient.Cornstarch: If you aren't familiar with this, it's found near the pancake and cornbread mix stuff. Additionally, the recipe calls for a large onion but since Todd doesn't like onions, I omitted it as well as the 1 tbsp of oil since I did not brown my meat beforehand.*All items not already in my pantry, were purchased from my local Publix. Not a sponsored post.You'll Also Need: - Crock Pot - Mine is a 4 quart (tiny) - Spoon for Stirring - Knife for Chopping - Measuring Cup and Spoons - Sauce Pan for the Glaze - Skillet for Browning Meat - Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Roast Beef Recipe by Closet Cooking

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Recipe Notes:

I did not brown my meat first - I just threw it into my crock pot, and started at Step 3. My crock pot is a small one meant for 2-4 people, so I had to cook my meal for about 9.5 hours to get everything to cook through all the way. I started on low for 8 hours, then switched to high and cooked for another hour and a half. At the 8 hour mark, the meat was pretty tender, but the carrots and potatoes still needed more time.I transferred my potatoes, carrots and meat to a casserole dish while I tried to do the glaze with the cornstarch, but I didn't find it thickening, and I was tired of waiting so I just poured the juices into the casserole dish with everything else.I found the meat to fall apart, and the carrots and potatoes to be so soft and delicious, however, Todd didn't end up eating much of the carrots and potatoes because they soaked up the vinegar, and he didn't like the taste. He described it as vinegar exploding in your mouth when you bit into the carrots and potatoes. I didn't find it to be as such, but if I were to make this dish again, I would omit the balsamic vinegar. I also would suggest when storing, to keep the juice in a separate container. You can always warm up and pour over your meat and veges - I did not like the combo together after spending the night in the fridge.Overall, good basis for starting out with the crock pot.If you love to bake (and/or craft) too, I would love to see your photos and get your recommendations! Join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community to share your creations, and see what other's are up to!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!You May Also Like...

Saturday, December 24, 2016

To celebrate, I am offering 40% off your purchase in my EyeLoveKnots Etsy Shop! No minimum purchase. No country restrictions (though only shipping to Canada is currently set up - email me if shipping needed elsewhere). Custom orders welcome!

Friday, December 23, 2016

I pattern tested this for my friend Rebeckah of Rebeckah's Treasures. It definitely tested my crochet abilities, and patience. There is lots of information in this pattern, and it took some time of reading and re-reading, working, ripping back, working and ripping back some more. She does have a link included for photo tutorial of the stitch, which I needed to refer to a couple times, but it definitely helped out a lot. If you are looking for a challenge, here's a good pattern to start with, and produces a really pretty stitch pattern.

After working Part 1, I pulled out my H8/5mm hook to shape the tube, then I used my 4.5mm hook to pull the rubber band through. Probably much easier to hook a safety pin around the rubber band and pull through, but because I didn't have one, the hook worked too.

The pattern is very detailed with suggestions for starting stitches. I wanted a thinner headband so I started with 14 single crochet onto the band, which left me with three X's. I worked a total of 67 rows to equal 16.5" long (including the band, which is 2.5" long when folded). The headband came to be a little looser than I would have liked. Haven made a few headbands now (other reviews to come), I would make it to 15.5" long (including the band).I found that even though my starting stitch count was the same as the other headbands I have worked (like the Pebble Bobbles Headband), this headband came to be about half an inch shorter in width. I am sure it had to do with my tension on the X rows. If I worked another, I'd add to the beginning count to work four or more X's.

At the end, I chained 1 and turned. Then I folded the work as to work across, and I did so as the pattern stated working onto the other side of the band. Once across, I fastened off, and turned my piece so the X's were facing on the right side.

I will say though, the wrong side of the piece (seen above) also has a pretty pattern on it, which resembles a knit-look, making it a reversible piece - two in one!

I did not end up embellishing my headband, but tutorial also includes free crochet patterns for flowers and butterflies that you can work right into the headband.

Overall, this is a great tutorial chalk full of lots of helpful information and photos. The pattern is a little difficult to follow until you get the hang of the stitches, and takes a little extra time to memorize, but produces a beautiful headband sure to get many compliments.

Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!

Don't Crochet but Interested in Purchasing a finished Headband?

Visit the EyeLoveKnots Etsy Shop to see what I have available! Use the search box to type in what you have in mind, or feel free to send me a message with your custom request. I am happy to make in any custom size and/or color. View color options here: Classic #10 Thread.

Monday, December 19, 2016

I pattern tested this for my friend Rebeckah of Rebeckah's Treasures. I am always blown away at her creativity, and the energy and detail she puts into each of her patterns and projects. I had fun testing this pattern out, and didn't want to take off the headband once I was finished. I chose to work it in one of my favorite colors, hoping it would match some new shirts that I recently bought, but the color is just a little darker - just means I need to match some more in other colors :)Are you a raveler? If so, make sure to favorite this Pebble Bobble Headbandand link up your project to it!

After working Part 1, I pulled out my H8/5mm hook to shape the tube, then I used my 4.5mm hook to pull the rubber band through. Probably much easier to hook a safety pin around the rubber band and pull through, but because I didn't have one, the hook worked too.

The pattern is very detailed with suggestions for starting stitches. I wanted a thinner headband so I started with 13 single crochet onto the band, which left me with five and four bobbles, respectively. I worked seven repeats plus rows 2, 3 and 4 again for a total of 32 rows to equal 14.5" long (including the band). I did not work mine as long as I should have - I forgot to add in an extra 2.5" for the band. I did not realize this mistake until after I sewed in my ends. It was a little tight at the back of my neck at first, but quickly loosened up. I was surprised how well it stretched to fit, but haven made a few headbands now (other reviews to come), I would make it to 15.5" long (including the band).

At the end, I chained 1 and turned. Then I folded the work as to work across, and I did so as the pattern stated working onto the other side of the band. Once across, I fastened off, and turned my piece so the bobbles were facing on the right side.Overall, this is a great tutorial chalk full of lots of helpful information and photos, and the pattern is really easy to follow and memorize and produces a beautiful headband. I can't wait to bust out thread from my stash and make a bunch more in other colors!

With so many size, yarn type and color options, I would love to see them! Please share your photos on my EyeLoveKnots Facebookpage, or join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community to share your creations, and see what other's are up to!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!

Don't Crochet but Interested in Purchasing a Pebble Bobble Headband?

Visit the EyeLoveKnots Etsy Shop to see what I have available! Use the search box to type in what you have in mind, or feel free to send me a message with your custom request. I am happy to make in any custom size and/or color. View color options here: Classic #10 Thread.You May Also Like...

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Every year for Thanksgiving, I do the baking. For some time it was something pumpkin, but it's switched to fudge over the last few years. This year I decided to go with three different flavors of fudge, the first one being Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and the second being this Red Velvet Cookies & Cream Fudge.I wanted something really quick, since I was doing three batches, so I decided the microwave was a good option, plus I don't like the inconsistencies of a stove. Using the microwave, times are pretty exact. A lot of fudge recipes call for sweetened condensed milk. I chose not to use it in this recipe, and instead replaced it with frosting. With this switch, refrigeration is not needed for storing the finished fudge, which makes it great for gift giving since you don't need to worry about it melting (a previous worry of mine), and it can be ready to go faster.Yields: 25 squaresPrep Time: 5 minutes (to crush up Oreo's)[No] Bake Time: 15 minutesCool Time: 1 hourIngredients: - 2 tbsp of butter - 1 12 oz bag (or 1.5 cups) of White Chocolate Chips - 1 16 oz can of Cream Cheese Frosting - 2 cups (or 16 cookies) of Red Velvet Oreo's, crushed*All ingredients found at my local Winn Dixie - not a sponsored post.You Will Also Need: - a medium sized microwave safe bowl - a spatula - an 8" x 8" pan - aluminum foil to cover pan - small bowl for Oreo's - PamIngredient Notes: Cookies: You can use regular Oreo's instead of the Red Velvet. The 2 cups for this recipe will use 2/3's of the package, so you'll have some to munch on while you wait for the fudge to cool - hehe.Foil: Why cover the pan? It makes it sooooo easy afterwards to just lift and pull the fudge out of the pan. You can cut over the foil, and even wrap it up to temporarily store in the fridge. Plus, minimal clean up.Pam: This is optional, but will help so much once the fudge has hardened. Without it, you will find the fudge sticks to the sides of the foil.

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Recipe: First things first, crush up your Oreo's and put them aside. I do mine 8 at a time inside my measuring cup, and just crush with a spoon. Also, line the 8" pan with aluminum foil, spray with Pam and set aside.2. In microwave safe mixing bowl, add in the butter, and white chocolate chips. Microwave for 45 seconds. Stir until creamy. 3. Remove the foil top to the frosting container, and microwave for 45 seconds to soften it up. Remove from microwave.4. Return chocolate chips to microwave for 30 seconds. While they are in there, stir the frosting in it's container. 5. Pour the frosting into the chocolate chip bowl, and stir well. 6. Add in the cookies, and stir final mix together.7. Pour the mixture into the 8" pan, and set aside to cool and harden (about an hour). 8. Cut, and enjoy! I cut mine 5 squares by 5 squares.You will find them to be soft like the instead of a Reese's Egg, but they will firm up as they sit.

Please DO NOT claim this recipe as your own nor should you sell my recipe. DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my recipe anywhere, link to it instead.

If you love to bake (and/or craft) too, I would love to see your photos and get your recommendations! Join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community to share your creations, and see what other's are up to!**AND, keep an eye out for my other fudge recipes coming soon. You can views others here - Tasty Tuesday.Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!You May Also Like...

Sunday, December 11, 2016

We have a local home called The Russell Home [for Atypical Children] which houses special needs children (and some who have grown up in the home). The Russell Home is a private, not-for-profit home that provides around the clock care and love to those living there, and make it feel just like home for them.

Todd's mom, Sheila, has been working on Christmas gifts for them for a couple weeks now. I have thrown in a few crocheted items, but she is working hard making sure everyone receives either a hat, scarf, or blanket and some smaller items like flashlights and coloring books.

She started working on a cowl for one of the girls at The Russell Home with Bernat Dimensions yarn, but the dimensions part of the yarn had her frustrated so she gave it to me instead. I looked up free crochet patterns on the Yarnspirations site to see which ones only required one skein of yarn, and settled on this Staggered Stitch Cowl, which is made up of a slanted shell-like pattern.

This was my first time working with Bernat Dimensions yarn. It was interesting for sure, but produces a really pretty finished piece, and really wasn't that hard to work with. The most important thing to keep in mind when working with this yarn is your tension. You must keep a loose tension and work stitches loosely to maintain the size since some parts of the strand are thread-like thickness, and some parts are chunky-like thickness. I didn't experience any splitting with this yarn, which is wonderful, and the finished piece was soft, fluffy and showcased a beautiful color change. I do caution to take extra care if ripping back the work, as the stitches do get caught similar to that of Lion Brand's Homespun yarn. Overall, fun yarn - I look forward to trying some other projects out with it :)

Time Spent:

My cowl was finished in just under two and a half hours.

Measurements:

My finished cowl measures 5.5" wide by 32" around.Adsense:

Pattern Notes:

I did not take a gauge as I did not find it to be critical for this project. My cowl came to measure only 5.5" wide, while the pattern states it should measure approximately 9" wide. Even by going up a hook size or two, I would not have been able to meet this width so I think the measurements given could be incorrect. Nonetheless, you could always start with a longer beginning chain to achieve a wider cowl. I like my final width, and if I made another, it would be to this width as well.

As mentioned in the yarn review above, make sure to work the beginning chain stitches, and the remaining stitches loosely to account for the change in yarn thickness. If you find trouble with achieving this in the beginning chain, you might find it useful to work the beginning chain in a larger hook size.To maintain an even side, in Row 2, work the last single crochet into the 2nd chain of the foundation turning chain.

Normally, anytime I begin a row in double crochet, I chain 2 (instead of 3) so the chain and double crochet are closer in size, and it minimizes the gap on the side. In this pattern, I tried the chain 2, and my sides came out so tight that my piece was not laying flat - it reminded me of the insides of a diaper. I went back, and chained 3 as written but still experienced the bunching, as did I with a chainless double crochet. Finally, just as I was about to give up on the cowl, I tried a chain 4 and worked the last stitch into the 3rd chain, and it worked! (And saved the cowl.)I worked all double crochet clusters into the chain 3 space, not the actual chains, because I liked the look better. The piece also took on a slight ripple. If you don't like this, you could block the cowl, but I thought it went really well with the project at hand and the look of the yarn once crocheted.

I worked my piece until I ran out of yarn (with enough to sew closed), which was at 57 rows. To close, I laid my right sides together, threaded my #18 needle and whipstitched it closed, working two whipstitches per stitch. This produced a slight seam, which can be seen in the photo above - mainly because the ripples were in the same places on both sides as opposed to staggered. Alternatively, you could fold so right sides face, and then slip stitch through both layers to create a seam as well - this does produce a larger seam though.This would be a good pattern to twist the cowl before sewing. It would lay flat better, and emphasize the pretty color blocks - which are each about 2.75" tall.Overall, this was a really easy pattern to work and memorize, and the yarn is a great pair for this cowl. I would like to work some additional cowls in this manner, as well as some other projects in the pattern, and try out this yarn a little more.

Upon completion, I gave this cowl to Sheila to add to the gifts going to The Russell Home, and have a matching hat in the works. Will you/have you donated any items to a local charity or home for the holidays? Would love to hear your stories :)With so many size, yarn type and color options, I would love to see them! Please share your photos on my EyeLoveKnots Facebookpage, or join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community to share your creations, and see what other's are up to!Don't miss out on new crochet patterns, reviews, jewelry tutorials and more! Subscribe to EyeLoveKnots by using the box on the right side toolbar, or follow me via Bloglovin!

Don't Crochet but Interested in Purchasing a Staggered Stitch Cowl?

Visit the EyeLoveKnots Etsy Shop to see what I have available! Use the search box to type in what you have in mind, or feel free to send me a message with your custom request. I am happy to make in any custom size and/or color. View color options here: Dimensions Yarn.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

In high school, I played regular Trombone in the Concert and Symphonic Bands, and Bass Trombone in the jazz band - and loved every minute of it! While digging through one of my boxes at home, I came across these ties that I used to wear for performances. The red one on the left we wore during our jazz band performances. I remember the first performance we wore them too... It was at a prep school downtown, and I remember tying a few peoples ties - even a couple guys - funny because, I had only taught myself the night before how to tie it, hehe. This tie has such a fun and pretty pattern on it - red with gold and blue "moving" notes and staff. The black one on the top right is the first one I bought - in middle school! We used to have solo and ensemble performances once a year, and I used to wear this black one to these from 6th grade up through high school.I took these photos, and have since donated them to my local Goodwill - hopefully someone else can get some good use out of it :)

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Hello There!

Confession - I am a craft, coffee and cat addict! I love to crochet, make my own jewelry, make cards and invitations, hand write letters, paint, draw, do my nails, hang out on Pinterest, visit with other bloggers, share projects, bake, play with my cat Shiloh... The list goes on and on! Pleasure to meet you, and thanks for joining the journey! Craftedly Yours, Alexandra.

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I love when you share my projects and recipes! But please be respectful.

Do not copy and paste my posts anywhere, rather you should link to them.

Do not sell my patterns or posts!

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Some of my photos are not intended to be shared outside of the blog post, and that is why I have disabled the pinning option within them. These are mostly photos of my family, or the process of working up a project. Please be respectful and do not share these photos without permission from me.

Feel free to sell items made from my patterns and tutorials. Designer credit and a link back is very much appreciated, but not required.

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